August 11, 2009

OU's Madu now a triple threat

Oklahoma back Mossis Madu, still according to coach Bob Stoops the third back behind the tandem of Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray, is now in addition to working in the slot getting some reps at wide receiver after what may have been only a half-joking mandate from Stoops to the offensive staff.

"I threatened if they weren’t going to use (Madu) a bunch that I was going to move him to corner," Stoops said after Monday's practice. "He is just a really good athlete and he can do a lot of things."

Some other updates and tidbits since the Sooners have donned pads this week:

Because of injuries to the top two centers on the depth chart, both tight ends Jermaine Gresham and Brody Eldridge have begun working at the position. No.1 Ben Halbern is having some back problems and backup Brian Lepak has a high ankle sprain--an injury that can linger. Not good, since both need all the reps they can get as they try and replace 4-year regular Jon Cooper.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said he has also toyed with the idea of left tackle and O-line leader Trent Williams there because of the continued impressive play of Cory Brandon and LSU transfer Jarvis Jones. Long story short, the staff is looking at all kinds of possibilities, including moving Brandon or Jones to guard. Most likely Eldridge rather than Gresham could show up at center in a game, since Gresham is too valuable as a weapon and Eldridge too valuable a blocker not to play somewhere. He could see spot duty there because of the growing depth at tight end.

Also, several coaches have mentioned being impressed with new receivers Cameron Kenny and Jaz Reynolds--two of the more highly anticipated members of last spring's recruiting class. Kenny of course should figure prominently in the return game and is a former all-conference junior college punter (47-yard average) and a definite run threat in a punting situation.